Free wifi across JetBlue fleet in 2016

JetBlue will complete the installation of free high-speed wifi across its entire fleet by autumn 2016, the US carrier has announced.

The airline has already finished fitting “Fly-Fi” on its more than 150 A320 and A321 aircraft, while its first E190 to have wifi installed took to the skies this week.

By this time next year, JetBlue said it expects to have fitted wifi on all 60 of its E190 aircraft.

The carrier said it uses Ka-band satellite technology to provide passengers with broadband internet capable of streaming videos and using multiple devices at the same time. Wifi will come with speeds of up to 20 mbps per device.

Jamie Perry, JetBlue’s vice president of brand and product development, said: “Soon every JetBlue customer will step onboard knowing their aircraft is equipped with free, fast internet and entertainment, the same way they expect our friendly service and the most legroom in coach.”

JetBlue is also preparing to launch unlimited, on-demand entertainment via on-board Amazon Video. This will allow Amazon Prime members “instant streaming access to tens of thousands of movies and TV episodes in-flight, at no additional cost with their membership”.

Earlier this month, Finnair announced it will provide free wifi access to premium passengers flying on its new A350 XWB (see news, October 6) while Lufthansa passengers will soon be able to access broadband internet on short and medium-haul flights (see news, September 21).